The Cheese Slider from White Castle features a tender, juicy beef patty topped with melted American cheese, nestled inside a soft, steamed bun, delivering a savory and satisfying bite-sized meal.
Equipments
- Griddle or flat-top grill
- Spatula
- Steamer lid or dome
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Bun warmer or steamer
- Tongs
- Measuring scoop for patties
- Food thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 package slider buns
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 small onion
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil
- Water
When selecting ground beef for your Cheese Slider, choose an 80/20 blend to ensure optimal juiciness and flavor. American cheese slices melt evenly, creating the classic creamy texture that complements the beef patty perfectly. Use fresh slider buns designed for steaming to achieve that signature soft, fluffy bite. Season the patties simply with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural beef flavor without overpowering it. Your Cheese Slider copycat menu will benefit from these carefully chosen ingredients to closely replicate the authentic White Castle experience.
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle or flat-top grill to medium-high heat.
- Finely dice the onion.
- Lightly oil the griddle with nonstick cooking spray or oil.
- Measure and form ground beef into small, thin slider patties using the measuring scoop.
- Season patties with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place patties on the hot griddle.
- Sprinkle diced onions over and around the patties.
- Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes without moving them.
- Flip the patties using the spatula.
- Place American cheese slices on top of each patty.
- Add a splash of water to the griddle around the patties.
- Cover with a steamer lid or dome to melt cheese and steam the beef (about 1-2 minutes).
- Warm or steam the slider buns using the bun warmer or steamer.
- Use tongs to place each patty with cheese and onions onto the bottom bun.
- Cover with the top bun.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
The Cheese Slider from White Castle copycat recipe mimics the original's signature taste using a tender beef patty, melted American cheese, and steamed buns. When preparing, you can substitute beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives if you prefer a leaner or vegetarian option. If you don't have a steamer or dome, wrapping the buns in foil and warming them in the oven can create a similar soft texture. Ensure your food thermometer reads 160degF (71degC) to guarantee the patties are safely cooked. Using a measuring scoop helps maintain consistent patty size for even cooking and assembly.
Tips
Ensure you use an 80/20 ground beef blend for the right balance of juiciness and flavor in your Cheese Sliders. When cooking patties on a medium-high griddle, avoid pressing them down to retain moisture and prevent dryness. Adding a splash of water and covering with a steamer lid helps melt the cheese perfectly while keeping the patties tender. Remember to warm or steam your slider buns just before assembling to achieve the signature soft and slightly steamed texture.
Nutritions
The Cheese Slider from White Castle provides approximately 150-200 calories per slider, primarily sourced from the beef patty and melted American cheese. Each slider contains around 10-12 grams of protein, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety. The 80/20 ground beef blend delivers essential fats, including saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can enjoy this bite-sized meal as an occasional indulgence while balancing your overall nutritional intake.
Storage
Store leftover Cheese Sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat the sliders on a griddle or in a steamer to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the beef remains juicy without drying out. Your proper storage and reheating will help preserve the slider's tender beef patties and soft steamed buns for the next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap American cheese with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a bolder flavor profile. Try caramelizing the onions separately in butter to add sweetness and depth before placing them on the patties. For a juicier slider, blend a small amount of grated onion or Worcestershire sauce into the ground beef. Replace steaming with toasting the buns lightly on the griddle for a crispy texture contrast.
Allergies
The Cheese Slider from White Castle contains common allergens such as dairy from the American cheese and gluten from the slider buns. Individuals with milk or wheat allergies should be cautious when consuming this meal. Your sensitivity to beef and onions should also be considered, especially if you have specific food intolerances or allergies.
Why this recipe?
White Castle's Cheese Sliders are beloved for their perfectly seasoned, thinly pressed beef patties topped with melted American cheese, delivering a savory and satisfying bite. The iconic steamed buns add a soft, slightly sweet contrast that complements the savory flavors. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy the distinctive taste and nostalgia of this classic fast-food favorite in the comfort of Your own kitchen. Replicating these sliders offers a fun, cost-effective way to recreate a beloved menu item known for its unique texture and bold flavor.